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Monday, August 10, 2015

Studio Progress and Back to School

My kids headed off to school this morning-- even my little guy happily headed off to Kindergarten. It might have been bittersweet, but right now it just feels sweet.

I went for a bike ride after they left and then buckled down and worked on my studio. The new shelves are all done, so I moved them into position and worked on loading them up with my stuff.

There's my wonderful handy hubby with his handiwork.

Replacing the mostly functional banquet table with the two new tables. The new tables have much better storage under them. I'll tell you more about them on Friday.

It seems like my stuff has grown. It doesn't all want to fit. But today wasn't about getting the fabric, tools, supplies, batting and other quilty paraphenalia all organized, but to get the new shelves in place and the old ones moved out, not to mention getting supplies off the floor! I still have much to do to get this project all finished.

Friday I will show you the final post in this Studio Reorganization Series and I'll have a link party set up for any of you who blog and want to show your quilting spaces. If you don't blog, feel free to send me one favorite picture of your studio via email and I'll share it too.

One of the wonderful things about back to school time is the school supplies. If you haven't checked out that section of your local store, you're in for a treat. There's the usual stuff of course, but also some beautiful binders, organizational supplies, paints, sketchbooks and journals, and other handy stuff for artists, creatives, and quilters.

I picked up these coloring book style pocket folders for $0.25 per 2-pack. Something for my daughter and I to color together. I almost picked up the cutest little watercolor sets in a tiny tin at Walmart, but restrained myself.

But I can't help myself when it comes to my favorite Kindergartner. He says he loved his day and can't wait to go back.

After my bike ride, I sat in the park for a bit and enjoyed the peace of the morning. I ended up sharing some thoughts on my personal Facebook profile and I thought they might encourage one of you today. It's more touchy-feely than I usually post here so if you're not interested, it's safe to click away now, but come back soon as I've got an interview for you from the talented Leah Day on Wednesday, the Studio Link Party on Friday, and more information coming up about my Craftsy class.

Friends, I'm sitting here in the park listening to the river flow by, the breeze swirling around me, and wrapped in the most incredible sense of peace. I wish you could feel it. I am certain (in this moment - y'all know I am prone to worry at times) - that God is with me and mine, that the challenges and hardships we will face will grow us and be for a greater purpose (maybe one we will never see) and that we are incredibly blessed to have overcome the challenges and fears of the past. I am so grateful that despite our financial hardships I was able to have my kids home with me for so long. I am also very excited to have the opportunity to use my gifts in the pursuit of a self-made career. That's a chance not many get or that are encouraged to step out and try. So now I turn the page and face a new season (and mix my metaphors) and make the most of it! God is so good and my husband is pretty awesome as well!

I followed up with this comment: And this post is mainly for myself because hard times will come, fears will creep in, and I want to remember how awesome this moment is.

You, my dear blog readers are a huge part of the good that's going on in my life and I thank you so much!

15 comments:

Great blog post. Looking forward to seeing your finished studio. What a great idea to include the year in the first day of school pic. Wish I had thought of that back then. Thank you for your fmq tutorials. They are very helpful.

Amy, your baby is just starting kindergarten? Mine just started kindergarten the other day, I swear -- but now he's going to be a 7th grader as of August 24th and his older brother is going to be a 9th grader. It goes by in a flash, every moment you spent with them at home is precious and you can never, ever get that back. You have a great attitude, and I know good things are in your future. Good things are in MY future, too -- like your ruler class on Craftsy that I'm anxiously awaiting! :-) Fresh new studio workspace, fresh new school year, fresh new ruler footsie for my Bernina, and ready for the adventures that await!

Upcoming Craftsy Class!? Did I miss an earlier announcement? That is exciting! With Summer passing, and my youngest heading back to college, and since I'll soon be recovered from a surgery, I want to jump in to ruler quilting! I have a set waiting for me and the ruler foot on my Janome. Your studio is looking great. Handie-hubbies are the best! Thanks for the inspiring thoughts too. God is good!

Thanks, Heather. He’s not as grumpy as he looks. I think I had just told him I wanted to put another coat of stain on the tops. He had me take that picture so I could see that it looked great already. He was right.

Great pic of your kids...such sweeties. Just fabulous that your hubby supports your quilting. I'm blessed with a hubby that also is my quilting cheerleader. Although mine is "mechanically challenged" he is the most awesome companion and photographer at all the quilt shows we attend. Thanks for sharing your most personal thoughts too....such a great reminder that God is with us in thick and thin. Your studio looks fabulous. i can hardly wait for the entire reveal! You go girl....

Thanks so much Paula. Photography is a very helpful skill for a quilter's hubby.As far as my personal thoughts, I try to not be pushy, but can I not share what's gotten me thus far and with see me through? Thanks for the encouragement.

Great photo of the kids...I can't believe it is back to school already....my oldest just finished college and I swear I just dropped him off in kindergarten a year or two ago....enjoy these days, as soon you'll be taking over the bedrooms for even MORE sewing space!!!

I love that you shared your Facebook post. I'm just about finished quilting a small wall hanging I made and can honestly say I would never have done this much quilting on it if it wasn't for your videos. I felt I was channeling you the whole time and other then a few skipped stitches I'm pretty proud of myself and my husband says its the best I've ever done. I appreciate all the hard work you do for us.

I love that you shared your Facebook post. I'm just about finished quilting a small wall hanging I made and can honestly say I would never have done this much quilting on it if it wasn't for your videos. I felt I was channeling you the whole time and other then a few skipped stitches I'm pretty proud of myself and my husband says its the best I've ever done. I appreciate all the hard work you do for us.

I don't think you are pushy about your faith at all, but it is kind of apparent to anyone who follows you for a while. It's a quality that makes you YOU, and revealing a little from time to time just endears you more to that community. That it is primarily a quilting blog with emphasis on rulers is undoubted as well. I love that you are having success with this and your kids get to watch you grow too!

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